Forget collecting power sanders. Save money and get the one you really need—a random orbital sander. Let’s look at these two popular models from DeWalt and see which one will be the best for you.
DEWALT D26451 3-Amp 5-Inch Random-Orbit Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
Take it easy while you’re working. The D26451K doesn’t need any more pressure than just a hand to guide it, and you don’t even have to follow the grain of the wood to get great results. The grip is textured and non-slip to make it pleasant to hold, and the sander has an anti-vibration feature to make it more comfortable to use for long periods of time. As one boat-builder commented, the D26451’s weight cuts down on the vibration and it is sturdy enough to survive being dropped.
The 5-inch sandpaper disks that this sander uses are the most common size so they aren’t hard to find. DeWalt recommends the hook-and-loop design with 8 holes for better dust removal. The D26451K comes with a reusable cloth dust bag to collect dust, but it’s small. Many users have said they like to use the built-in vacuum adapter to connect a shopvac hose. Since sanding is a messy business, DeWalt sealed the power switch and the all ball-bearing construction against dust.
The 3-amp motor spins the disk at just one fixed speed of 12,000opm, or orbits-per-minute. (If you want a variable-speed sander, look at the D26453K below.) The orbit has a 3/32-inch variation to keep it from hitting the same area over and over. The D26451K also has a “controlled finishing system” or soft startup, so that it doesn’t gouge the work-piece when it starts up. A useful side-effect of this feature is that the user can tell when it is time to replace the disk that holds the sandpaper pads because the pad speed will be noticeably faster than normal.
One last note: the power cord is only 6 feet long, but it is stiffly mounted into the top of the tool so that it stays out of the way. (If you want a longer cord, look at the other sander described below.)
More features of the DeWalt D26451 Random-Orbit Sander
- Weighs 3.4 pounds
- Carbon motor brushes can be replaced by the user instead of a service center
- Comes with the vacuum adapter and dust collection bag
- DeWalt offers their usual 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
DEWALT D26453 3 Amp 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
The D26453K differs from the D26451 described above. Instead of one fixed speed, the sander ranges from 7,000 up to 12,000opm. There is a numbered dial with six settings on the rear of the palm grip near the cord.
When Popular Mechanics reviewed this sander they said it works with little vibration and it is easy to control. They had no complaints about it at all. In fact, they said it is a product typical of DeWalt’s lineup: “simple, rugged, and reliable.” The non-slip rubbery palm grip and anti-vibration feature makes it comfortable to use for long periods of time. And there’s another improvement over the previous sander–the power cord on the D26453 is now 8 feet long. That extra two feet is convenient if the user doesn’t have an extension cord handy!
To prevent gouging or swirls on the work-piece, the D26453K has what DeWalt calls a “controlled finishing system,” or slow start-up. This puts wear on the pad that holds the sandpaper disks so that it, too, will have to be replaced eventually. The user can also replace the carbon motor brushes, which saves on paying someone to do this routine maintenance on the sander.
For health and safety, DeWalt recommends always working with either the provided cloth dust bag or another dust collector attached. The built-in vacuum adapter fits most shopvac hoses.
More features of the DeWalt D26453K sander
- Weighs 3.5 pounds (slightly more than the D26451)
- Comes with the dust collection bag and vacuum adapter
- Uses 5-inch 8-hole hook and loop sanding pads
- DeWalt offers their usual 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
Recommendation
The D26451 has a great reputation and has proven durability over the years since it first appeared on the market. It has a lot of satisfied owners who have commented on how well it has endured hard use. If you have no need for variable speed, consider getting the D26451.
If you work with a variety of materials, consider getting the D26453. Its 6-position variable speed settings will give you fine control.
Click here to purchase DEWALT D26451 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase DEWALT D26453 on Amazon!